Fall 2025 Alumni Newsletter
Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of Applied Studies,
Guided by our mission to empower professionals through education, research, innovation, and community engagement, our College continues to create lasting impact for students, alumni, and communities across Kansas and beyond. As we look to the future, I am excited to share that we have requested approval from the Kansas Board of Regents to return to our historic name—the College of Education—to better reflect our mission and honor nearly a century of excellence preparing educators and leaders.
Because of your support for applied learning, mentoring new professionals, and providing scholarships, our students are able to persevere, succeed, and reach their highest potential. Your contributions also sustain innovative programs like the WISE Clinic, where graduate students apply their learning in a real-world counseling setting that benefits the broader community.
This fall, we launched our new Ph.D. in Education and Behavioral Studies and a new online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis, expanding opportunities for advanced research and careers in education, counseling, and applied behavioral sciences. With record-high enrollment exceeding 740 participants statewide, Wichita State’s Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP™) continues to expand Kansas’s teacher pipeline by helping paraeducators earn their degrees and remain in the school districts where they already make a difference.
In 2026, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the College of Education, marking a century of impact and innovation. We look forward to honoring this milestone with our alumni and partners as we continue shaping the future of learning together.
Thank you for your continued support and for the countless ways you make a difference through Wichita State University.
For more than six decades, Bob and Jacque Lane have shared a deep and enduring belief in the power of education. Their partnership in life and in purpose has touched generations of teachers and students. Their legacy at Wichita State continues to grow through the creation of the Lane Family Scholarship, honoring a lifelong dedication to the field. The moment is made even more meaningful as Dr. Robert Lane (Bob) was recently inducted into the College of Applied Studies (CAS) Hall of Fame, receiving the Distinguished Career Award in recognition of his extraordinary impact on teacher preparation and student success.
Bob served Wichita Public Schools in multiple administrative roles for more than 30 years before joining Wichita State in 1995. At WSU, he taught school law and founded the Transition to Teaching (T2T) program for secondary education in 1999. The program has since trained and licensed nearly 500 new teachers.
The couple’s latest gift to support CAS, the Lane Family Scholarship, will offer financial assistance to students pursuing teaching licensure, ensuring that his work continues to impact future educators for years to come.
Jacque’s own career also reflects a life spent serving others through education. She worked in administrative roles that supported both students and teachers, gaining a clear understanding of what it takes to help schools thrive. Her experience and empathy have shaped her approach to mentorship and support.
“Bob and I both grew up in families that struggled,” Jacque said. “We worked our way through college, and that can really hamper your college experience. There are so many bumps along the way. We wanted to help students who hit those bumps continue their education.”
Bob’s time at Wichita State, both as a faculty member and as a leader, left a lasting mark on Kansas education. “Wichita State went to bat for us,” he said. “There was nothing else like the Transition to Teaching program, and they helped make it a model for future teacher education. The deans of the College of Education deserve all the credit for helping make it possible.”
The Lanes’ shared approach to life and work is rooted in collaboration and in the belief that the best ideas come from many voices. “To make good decisions, you need as many thoughts and people with diverse backgrounds as possible,” Jacque said. “When you bring others into the process, it exponentially improves the outcome.”
As the couple reflects on their years devoted to teaching and learning, they continue to approach life with gratitude and perspective. “You know, there are so many people who influence you throughout your life and career,” Bob said. “We are just riding on the backs of those who have befriended us and taught us. Life is a very social experience. It is never just one person.”
Through their new scholarship and through the generations of teachers they have inspired, Bob and Jacque Lane’s influence will continue to shape classrooms and futures for many years to come.
Wichita State University’s Corbin Education Center, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, a distinction reserved for America’s most significant architectural and cultural landmarks.
Dedicated in 1964 and named for former University of Wichita President Harry F. Corbin, the building embodies Wright’s creative genius and his philosophy of blending architecture with nature. Today, Corbin is the home of Wichita State’s College of Applied Studies, classroom space and advising offices. “Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places is an acknowledgment that this building is a vital piece of our cultural and educational heritage,” said Emily Patterson, Wichita State’s executive director of facilities planning. “As one of only two Wright-designed structures in Kansas, Corbin deserves to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make that happen, particularly
Friends of Corbin, Craig Rhodes and Jay Price. Their passion and persistence made this possible.”
The nomination was led by Friends of Corbin, a local group formed in 2023 to advocate for the preservation of the Wright-designed education center. The group includes Dr. Nancy Davis, a 1982 Wichita State grad; Craig Rhodes, design director at LK Architecture; and Dr. Jay Price, professor of history and chair of WSU’s history department, among others.
Rhodes, who once took English classes in the south wing of Corbin, said his personal connection fueled his commitment to the effort. “Even as a student, I was struck by how different the space felt — the natural light, the openness, the sense of creativity,” Rhodes said.
The application to put Corbin on the registry began in July 2022. Price said the honor underscores Wichita’s unique place in Wright’s legacy.
“Not every Frank Lloyd Wright building automatically qualifies for the National Register,” he said. “To be listed, a structure must retain its integrity and tell an important story. Corbin does both. It reflects Wright’s architectural evolution and connects Wichita to the broader narrative of mid-century design.”
Wichita State University’s Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP) reached a record 743 students enrolled for the fall semester, a 6.7% increase from Fall 2024. TAP is an online, work-based program that enables paraeducators to earn their teaching degrees while continuing to work in schools, helping address Kansas’ teacher shortage through accessible, workforce-aligned education. Launched in 2017, the program continues to grow under the leadership of Coordinator Jill Wood, Department Chair Julie Thiele, and the TAP advising and support teams.
Lauren Bryant’s path through Exercise Science has been shaped by curiosity, hard work, and a passion for helping others. After earning her master’s degree in Exercise Science from Wichita State University in 2013, she built a career centered on improving lives through cardiac rehabilitation, health coaching, and health education. Now serving as Assistant Clinical Faculty and Recruitment & Retention Coordinator in the Department of Human Performance Studies, Lauren brings that same energy and real-world perspective to her teaching at WSU.
“The challenge,” Lauren said when asked what inspired her to return to Wichita State as a faculty member. “When I was a student, becoming a teacher was never on my radar. But since my career evolved, I fell into Health Education and absolutely loved it. Being able to engage students in meaningful discussion to expand their knowledge is extremely rewarding. Plus, as a graduate of HPS, I know that everyone in this department is the best at what they do. So, of course, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this team.”
Teaching in the same program where she once studied has been a meaningful experience. “It feels like life is starting to come full circle. I loved my time as a student in HPS and now I get to be a part of that journey for the next generation of students,” she said. She added: “My time at WSU gave me the confidence and foundation to succeed in this field,” she said. “It’s an honor to now help students build theirs.”
The College of Applied Studies (CAS) at Wichita State University held its fourth annual Hall of Fame Ceremony on September 26, 2025, at the Rhatigan Student Center. The event honored seven exceptional individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions and accomplishments within CAS.
- Dr. Robert Lane, Distinguished Career Award
- Mary Myers, Service Award
- Korey Torgerson, Alumni Award
- Bonnie Bing Honeyman, Community Engagement Award
- Dr. Shirley Lefever, Distinguished Career Award
- Dr. Joseph Wei-Cheng Mau, Distinguished Career Award
- Aliyah Funschelle, Recent Alumni Award
Submit a nomination for the 2026 Hall of Fame
Credit Union of America and the College of Applied Studies work together to support students, faculty, and alumni through programs and initiatives that make a lasting difference. It is a collaboration that reaches across the college and continues to strengthen opportunities for future educators.
Each year, four Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP™) students receive scholarships from Credit Union of America. The organization also hosts the fall and spring TAP™ Pinning Ceremony celebrations that recognize program completers and scholarship recipients. In addition, Credit Union of America supports the annual TAP™ Faculty and Success Coach Retreat and provides professional development sessions for TAP™ success coaches and adjunct faculty.
Credit Union of America helps fund hundreds of Praxis licensure exams for College of Applied Studies student teachers each year. This support reduces financial barriers and helps students take the final steps toward becoming licensed educators.
The partnership also includes scholarship opportunities beyond TAP™. Each year, two students are recognized with the Frank Crawford Jr. Educators of Tomorrow Scholarship through Credit Union of America.
Within the college, Credit Union of America invests in Corbin Connect, an initiative that brings together faculty, students, and community partners. The organization hosts Corbin Connect Speaker Series events, sponsors Corbin Connect Faculty Fellowships, awards a Corbin Connect Technology Grant, and hosts a College of Applied Studies faculty and staff technology fair that highlights innovative tools and practices for teaching and learning.
The collaboration also extends beyond campus. Each year, Credit Union of America co-hosts the WSU Alumni Back to School Bash, featuring a panel discussion with Wichita State teacher alumni and a one thousand dollar grand prize. CUA also invites College of Applied Studies students and educators to participate in their Educators’ Nights at Wichita Wind Surge games, celebrating the teaching profession and building connections across the education community.
Through scholarships, student celebrations, professional development, licensure support, and alumni engagement, Credit Union of America’s partnership with the College of Applied Studies continues to create opportunities that directly support educators and the programs that prepare them.
The WISE Clinic, part of Wichita State University’s College of Applied Studies (CAS), has become an invaluable resource for both the local community and students pursuing careers in counseling. Offering free mental health services to underserved individuals, the clinic provides essential support for those who may not otherwise have access to care. Since its opening, the clinic has served 1,264 unique clients through 12,721 individual appointments. Among these sessions, more than 1,000 have been play therapy sessions, which are crucial for helping children and families address developmental and emotional challenges.
The WISE Clinic’s impact continues to grow, with plans to expand services and outreach. One of the clinic’s primary goals is to introduce telehealth services to support individuals who cannot attend in person, particularly those in rural areas. The clinic is also exploring the integration of translation services to overcome language barriers, ensuring that all members of the community can access vital mental health care.
CAS alumni and community members can play an important role in sustaining the clinic’s work. Through financial donations, volunteering, or assisting with outreach efforts, alumni can help ensure that the WISE Clinic remains a strong, accessible resource for both students and the local community. Donations could support telehealth expansion, student training programs, and other critical needs, directly benefiting individuals in the community and future mental health professionals.
Looking to the future, the WISE Clinic is committed to continuing its growth and deepening its impact. With ongoing plans to expand its services and strengthen community partnerships, the clinic will continue to support the mental health and well-being of underserved individuals while offering hands-on, real-world learning experiences for students in the counseling field.
Wichita State Esports has continued its ascent as one of the nation’s most competitive collegiate programs, building on a foundation of student success, national recognition, and competitive excellence.
Since its launch in 2019, Wichita State Esports has grown into a nationally recognized powerhouse that helps shape the collegiate gaming landscape. Now in its sixth year, the program operates under the leadership of director Joe Mazzara and program manager MacKenzie Kessler, both dedicated to advancing student development and maintaining the program’s winning tradition.
Wichita State’s influence extends beyond campus. Mazzara serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Collegiate Esports and participates on two national seeding committees that help shape championships across the country.
On the competitive front, Wichita State’s teams continue to excel across multiple titles. The Shockers currently hold national rankings in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at number 10, Call of Duty at number 7, and Rocket League at number 30. The program’s Valorant and Overwatch teams have also earned appearances in postseason national tournaments, along with a long list of Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championships.
Currently, Wichita State Esports includes nearly 60 student athletes and an additional 10 student staff members, the largest roster in the program’s history. Scholarship athletes are recruited from across the nation to join teams that are known for both competitive success and student leadership.
Wichita State teams regularly compete at major national events such as the National Association of Collegiate Esports National Championship, CECC May Madness, and DreamHack Atlanta. These opportunities deepen the student experience and place Shockers on some of the most visible stages in collegiate esports.
The program operates from a dedicated facility in the recently reopened Corbin Education Center. The space features 15 gaming PC stations, four console stations, two projectors, a student lounge area, and a trophy case that showcases the accomplishments of past and present Shocker teams.
As Wichita State Esports looks ahead, the mission remains clear. The program will continue to pair competitive excellence with student development while representing the university on the national stage.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in physical education, PreK–12, in fall 2023, Trajata Colbert returned to Wichita State in spring 2025 to complete her student teaching and earn her teaching license. During this final step in her preparation, she gained hands-on experience through an applied learning placement that took her to multiple schools. These rotations provided a variety of professional experiences and meaningful connections with students—solidifying her path as a fully licensed teacher after spring 2025.
As a physical education co-teacher at Wichita Northwest High School and Jefferson Elementary, she stepped into her role as an educator. Student teaching, often unpaid, is a requirement for all future educators. However, Colbert’s student teaching was paid through Wichita State’s Applied Learning Fund, which enables Shockers to get career-related work experience with pay.
“By receiving the Applied Learning Funds, I was able to return to college without having to take out any student loans. It also allowed me to work less to focus more on student teaching,” Colbert said
Rotating between Wichita Northwest High School and Jefferson Elementary: Colbert assisted in similar tasks, she focused on designing and teaching lessons with her assigned teachers. In the classroom and gym, she encouraged students in class activities and assisted in student assessments. By working alongside her teachers, she learned daily planning, classroom management, and professional collaboration and development.
Teaching at the elementary and high school levels, Colbert taught a diverse demographic beyond age. Besides handling different age groups, she also worked with students from all backgrounds - giving her a better understanding of her interactions and impact.
“While they differed demographically, they all deserve the same opportunity to learn the skills needed for lifelong health and fitness,” Colbert said.
After leaving her elementary placement, Colbert reunited with her Jefferson students at Kansas Kids Fitness Day. A yearly field day for Kansas third graders, Colbert attended the physical education-led event and reconnected with her students.
“They were all very excited to see me after nearly two months,” Colbert said. “They offered hugs and high fives! It was heartwarming to know that I made an impact after such a short amount of time!”
Now a full-time licensed teacher at Harry Street Elementary, Trajata Colbert brings learning to life through play, movement, and meaningful experiences. She’s also returned to the court, serving as the varsity assistant coach for the Wichita Heights girls’ basketball team. Whether in the classroom or on the sidelines, Colbert is inspiring young minds and bodies—encouraging students to grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
“This experience has allowed me to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful physical education teacher,” Colbert said.
At Wichita State University, the Collaborative Literacy Education, Advancement, and Research (CLEAR) initiative is leading a bold, statewide movement to ensure that every Kansas child becomes a proficient, confident reader. Established within the College of Applied Studies, CLEAR serves as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and professional learning in literacy education—bridging research, practice, and policy to create meaningful change in classrooms and communities.
“Our mission is simple,” says Dr. Kimberly Moody, Director of CLEAR. “We connect what we know from science with what we do in schools. When research, practice, and community come together, literacy outcomes improve—and so do lives.”
Engaging the Community
CLEAR’s mission also reaches into the heart of Wichita through partnerships that blend literacy with community engagement and opportunity. Collaborations with Wichita Public Schools, the Wichita Collective Impact, Kansas Prevention Collaborative, League 42, and The Pando Initiative exemplify how literacy learning can be integrated into youth programs, mentoring, and enrichment experiences.
Through these partnerships, CLEAR supports initiatives that promote reading as a joyful, empowering activity—particularly for students who may not see themselves reflected in traditional literacy spaces. Whether that’s helping create literacy-infused summer camps, supporting after-school reading programs, or engaging families in literacy-rich events, CLEAR is demonstrating how connection and context can drive learning. “These community partnerships remind us that literacy lives beyond the classroom,” says Moody. “When students read in spaces where they feel seen, valued, and connected, their confidence grows—and so does their love for learning.” A recent family literacy night, hosted in collaboration with CLEAR, WSU’s PPMC, and Holy Savior Catholic Academy highlights these collective partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As CLEAR grows, it remains committed to advancing literacy as both a skill and a bridge—connecting knowledge, equity, and opportunity for all Kansans. Through collaboration, innovation, and compassion, Wichita State University continues to light the path toward a literate and empowered future.
For Moody, the vision is clear: “Every child deserves access to high-quality literacy instruction—and every teacher deserves the knowledge and support to provide it. At Wichita State, we are proud to continue the work we started over two decades ago focused on the Science of Reading, ensuring that literacy remains the foundation of opportunity for all.”
Fall 2024 Alumni Newsletter
Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of Applied Studies,
It is an honor to welcome you to this inaugural issue of our alumni newsletter. Our alumni are an essential part of our mission, making an incredible impact on our students and communities every day. Through your support of applied learning opportunities, early career mentoring and scholarships, you empower our students to persist, succeed and reach their fullest potential. Your contributions also foster innovative research and service initiatives through community partnerships that directly enhance the lives of those in South-Central Kansas and beyond.
Paul Babich, a two-time graduate of Wichita State University (WSU) and a retired history and social studies teacher, has spent his life dedicated to education. With the creation of the Paul Babich Scholarship for Student Teachers, he aims to help the next generation of educators by providing financial support for those embarking on their student teaching journeys. This scholarship is especially geared toward those in the history and social studies track, enabling them to concentrate on teaching rather than the worry of tuition costs.
The College of Applied Studies hosted the second annual Alumni Back to School Bash in collaboration with the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, sponsored by Credit Union of America.
The College of Applied Studies (CAS) at Wichita State University held its fourth annual Hall of Fame Ceremony on September 27, 2024, at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex. The event honored nine exceptional individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions and accomplishments within CAS.
On June 28, 2024, Wichita State University's Corbin Education Center will celebrate its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of educational excellence and architectural significance.
Between the NBA draft, summer league and the WNBA season in full swing, sports content creator Aliyah Funschelle ’20 stayed busy this summer. But a full schedule is nothing unusual for this Shocker alumna and entrepreneur.
Ryan Summerlin, a senior sport management major at Wichita State University, spent his summer as a Sport Management Intern at Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri. His internship provided an immersive experience in various aspects of the sport industry, from event management and public relations to facility maintenance and crisis management.
Meet Ja'Nae McKelvy, a dedicated Sport Management student at Wichita State University, who is making significant strides in her field. After completing an internship with the Kansas City Chiefs as a KC Training Camp Intern this past summer, Ja'Nae is excited to take on a new role as the Fall 2024 intern with the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation.
Ashlyn Riggs, a senior in Wichita State University’s online Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP), is not just working toward her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Unified / Elementary Education—she’s already living her dream of becoming a teacher. Originally from Cheney, Kansas, Ashlyn benefits from WSU's forward-thinking TAP, which blends academic advancement with hands-on classroom experience, allowing her to apply what she learns in real time while earning her degree.
The new CAS strategic plan was developed during the 2023-24 academic year with input from faculty, staff, students, campus leaders, education and industry partners, and advisory groups. Together, we developed a cohesive vision and mission statement, and shared values that will guide our college forward.
As the Assistant Dean for Students and Experience at Wichita State University's College of Applied Studies, Dr. Bobby Berry has set out to create a student-focused and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Berry’s vision emphasizes addressing barriers, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and enhancing the overall experience for students at all levels. His leadership focuses on student-centeredness and inclusive excellence, with a strong emphasis on promoting success for underserved and first-generation students.